Fort Pierce
6 - TCnbc Magazine
Hutchinson Island is a barrier island on the coast of Martin and St. Lucie counties, Florida. The southern one-third of Hutchinson Island is in Martin County while the northern two-thirds is in St. Lucie County. It is bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, on the south by the St. Lucie Inlet, on the west by the Indian River, and on the north by the Fort Pierce Inlet, which separates it from what is known in St Lucie County as North Hutchinson Island, or sometimes "North Beach." North Hutchinson Island extends into Indian River County, but it is rarely called that north of the county line. In fact the Indian River county portion which extends to the Sebastian Inlet is usually called Orchid Island, although it is not a separate island.
The ocean front is lined with mid-rise luxury condominium apartment buildings with a few hotels or motels mixed in. On the Indian River side there is a mix of single family homes, duplexes and mobile home or travel trailer communities, the largest of which is Nettles Island, where the county building codes have allowed what started as travel trailer lots to be used for site-built homes.
No matter what your taste or your affordability, there is something for you in Fort Pierce.
CeeCee Ross Lyles monument
Few Florida cities can boast as many aquatic activities as Fort Pierce. The Indian River, beautiful beaches, yacht-friendly Fort Pierce Inlet and many marinas found here make this a marvelous destination for making a splash.
Found in the northern part of the county’s mainland—and including the intersection of I-95 and the Florida Turnpike—the city is brimming with distinctive charm and things to do.
Fort Pierce's charming, restored downtown is home to numerous shops, restaurants and galleries, including the A.E. Backus Gallery, which celebrates one of Florida’s most famous artists.
Museums, exhibits and cultural opportunities also abound, such as the Manatee Observation & Education Center and the Sunrise Theater. Fishing, boating and other activities await in the area, all near affordable accommodations.
(Photo courtesy of TCPalm)